It is ‘something I would like to look at again’, he commented.
If Javid’s comments translate into a change of rules, it could signal a welcome change for business and public services.
Mr Javid stated that he was committed to the Conservative’s manifesto, but refused to explicitly support this Home Office policy. While businesses will be cheered at apparent chance of stance, some commentators are saying that he is starting to defy the Prime Minister.
Theresa May was Home Secretary when the cap was introduced six years ago, and she reiterated her promise to reduce net migration below 100,000 per year when she became Prime Minister.
Lib Dem home affairs spokesman Sir Ed Davey agreed with the Home Secretary, saying:
‘He will have the support of almost everyone in Parliament to exclude students and medical staff from the immigration cap, but it’s far from clear that the prime minister is willing to admit her long-cherished policy is wrong.’
The PM’s office responded in a statement this afternoon: ‘We’ve always said that this is a process that will take time but if you look at the most recent set of figures, net migration is falling. We are fully committed to reaching this target, the Prime Minister has been clear it will take time.’
But the message also seems to confirm that the PM is at last ready to look again at her immigration target.
‘Visa routes are always under review and we are monitoring the situation in relation to visa applications for doctors, including the monthly limits through the Tier 2 visa route. The government fully recognises the contribution that international professionals make to the UK.’
Will this be in time for August, when the NHS has its annual major intake of trainee doctors?